NAVAIR

MH-60S Seahawk

Mission

The MH-60S Seahawk missions are Anti-Surface Warfare, combat support, humanitarian disaster relief, Combat Search and Rescue, aero medical evacuation, SPECWAR and organic Airborne Mine Countermeasures.

Description

The MH-60S replaced the aging fleet of H-46D helicopters. Many benefits were realized hence the replacement of the H-46D with the MH-60S. Cost per flight hours, mission aborts, component removals, and unscheduled maintenance actions were reduced significantly. The MH-60S with its glass cockpit incorporates active matrix liquid crystal displays, used to facilitate pilot and co-pilot vertical and horizontal situation presentations. Another major design of the MH-60S is a “common cockpit” which is shared with the new MH-60R. This will allow a pilot to shift from one aircraft to another with minimal re-training.

Specifications

Primary Function: Anti-Surface Warfare, Combat Support, Humanitarian
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Systems
Date Deployed: 2002
Propulsion: 2-GE T700-GE-401 (C)
Length: 64 feet, 10 inches
Height: 17 feet
Weight: 14,430 lbs (empty), 23,500 lbs (max gross)
Airspeed: 180 knots (max)
Ceiling: 13,000 feet
Range: 245 Nautical Miles
Crew: Four

Program Status

ACAT: ACAT IC Program
Production: In production
Inventory: 145
Projected Inventory: 273
Initial Operational Capabilities (IOC) date: 2002
Projected Operational Capabilities (FOC) date: 2010